What is FCPS Online Campus?

FCPS Online Campus is a program run by Fairfax County Public Schools to offer new educational choices to students. It is designed to present educational material and credit courses at the high school level to students using online resources.

Who may take a FCPS Online Campus course?

Students registered in Fairfax County Public Schools, or, students outside of Fairfax County Public Schools can take an online course. These courses are for students who have scheduling conflicts, special medical needs requiring a home or hospital setting, special needs requiring a flexible schedule, or, are seeking to complete high school graduation requirements.

Will I receive credit for these online courses? How much credit is each course worth?

All FCPS Online Campus Courses are accredited by FCPS. Completing a FCPS Online Campus semester course is worth .5 credit and completing a year-long course is worth 1.0 credit. Please see the course catalog for more information.

Are there fees involved for FCPS Online Campus courses?

As long as the courses taken do not exceed the standard course complement for the district (7 courses per semester for high school students) there is no charge for FCPS students during the normal school year . However, if a FCPS student exceeds the course complement (for example a high school student already taking 7 courses at a local high school decides to add an online campus course), a fee of $340 per semester course or, $680 per year-long course will be applied. If the student is outside of Fairfax County Public Schools' district, they will be charged a fee of $390 per semester course, or, $780 per year-long course.

How do I contact my teacher if I have questions?

Each teacher will have an e-mail account, which will allow you to reach him/her easily, as well as, voice mail. Frequent online discussion groups and face-to-face orientation and conferences with teachers will also give opportunities for interactions.

Must I own a computer to take a FCPS Online Campus course?

If you plan to take a course at home, a computer is essential. However, if you have access to a computer at school, friends or relative's homes, or plan to use the Fairfax County Public Libraries for computer access, you can still enroll in courses. It is highly recommended that you have reliable, easy access to a computer before enrolling in courses.

Does FCPS Online Campus follow the same semester schedule as the high schools, or do I work at my own pace?

All online courses must be completed within the current year-long, semester, or summer school schedule.

Are there deadlines for my lesson or unit assignments?

Suggested deadlines are included with all course information. Students are expected to turn in work punctually so that there is time to complete the entire course.

In what ways does an online class differ from a traditional course?

An online class is similar to a traditional, face-to-face class by having teacher, lessons, homework, due dates, class discussions and assessments. The difference is that this is an Internet-based course. It is interactive and student-centered. Students are responsible for their own learning, working, at their own pace and personalizing their learning styles. The student must actively engage in searching out information and finding the answers to questions. Online connections with other students, experts around the world, and a rich array of resources, that are current and changing, provide an active learning environment.

Are the teachers trained to teach online?

All of the FCPS Online Campus teachers are teachers within FCPS and trained to teach online.

Will FCPS Online Campus students have to take the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) test for SOL based courses?

All students enrolled in a Standards of Learning course will take the SOL exam for that course at a scheduled time and place within their Virginia school district.

Are there textbooks or other reading materials required?

Some courses require reading materials such as textbooks. These will be provided to students. Each course will list the materials or books required on the course syllabus.

How will I take exams? How will they be graded?

Online exams will look similar to other course assessments taken in the traditional classroom. Mid-term and final exams or assessments will be given at a local high school, or, administrative center and proctored by the course teacher, or, school official. Assessments may also be project based. Grading follows the FCPS grading policy.

What if I fail a traditional class and want to retake this class through FCPS Online Campus?

Students may retake a course online but should not expect the online course to be easier. Online courses are quite rigorous.

Does FCPS Online Campus offer the same course as found in the traditional high school?

Many courses may look the same and contain the same content but presenting the course online changes the look and feel of the course. The activities are more open, giving the student more choices. The resources available in some courses are immense allowing for expanded learning experiences.

Will I interact with other FCPS Online Campus students?

Students will join other students in class discussions online.

What if I am having trouble with a course or need extra help?

Students can speak to their teachers online or directly by telephone for additional help and guidance.